Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Activity of Phosphorus‐Rich Tungsten Phosphide by Cobalt Doping: A Comprehensive Study of the Active Sites and Electronic Structure

Phosphorus-rich transition metal phosphides (TMPs) are considered efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, actual activity of P-rich TMPs is not as good expected because undesirable electronic structure. Transition doping has been shown to be effective in improving HER both acid and alkaline media, but underlying mechanism ambiguous, especially TMPs. Herein, cobalt-doped phosphorus-rich tungsten phosphide nanowire arrays (Co/WP2 NWs/CC) synthesized electrochemical properties determined by experiments theoretical calculation. The results reveal that Co dopants serve inert catalytic sites do participate process, Co/WP2 NWs/CC exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic a result lower water dissociation barrier adsorption/desorption free energy on W or P improved conductivity strong electron-donating effects dopants, thereby boosting kinetics.